Cameroon’s 92-year-old President Paul Biya has reshuffled the military, a move seen as a bid to consolidate power ahead of his eighth-term run.
The changes affected nearly all branches, including promotions of eight brigadier generals to major general and new chiefs of staff across the army, navy, and air force.
Reuters reported that the head of the Rapid Intervention Battalion (BIR), which handles counter-terrorism and protects Biya, was among those promoted. A new presidential military adviser was also named.
Analysts describe the reshuffle as “a precaution against possible coup attempts” amid a wave of military takeovers across Africa. “It’s about suppressing any signs of internal dissent ahead of the 2025 elections,” they said.
Biya, who has ruled since 1982, officially declared his candidacy two days before the shake-up. His long absence from the country last year had sparked coup rumors.
Meanwhile, opposition figures like Maurice Kamto and Cabral Libii have declared interest in the October 12 poll, signaling growing public demand for change.